Leopards can't hide in grass at home

Natural grass field isn't worrying Field Hockey, which expects win No. 2. The Quakers are going on a big cat hunt in Easton, Pa., as Penn field hockey looks to declaw the Lafayette Leopards today at 3:30 p.m. Mertzger Field hosts the matchup between the Quakers (1-1) and their Patriot League opponent. This away game is the latest in a long-standing series that features the Leopards (3-2) frequently on the losing end of the stick. The all-time series record stands with Penn well in front with 11 wins, 6 losses and 6 draws against the Leopards. "We have dominated the series," Penn coach Val Cloud said. While the Leopards have already played five games this season compared to the Quakers' two, the rest of the pre-game stats are more in Penn's favor. Penn enters with a distinct advantage having beaten Dartmouth last weekend, 3-2, gaining both their first Ivy win and redemption after last season's loss. "It was an awesome win for us," Cloud said. "We came from behind and held onto the lead we weren't able to [hold onto] last year." The Leopards meanwhile are coming off a crushing 4-1 loss to Rutgers after riding a three-game winning streak versus Monmouth 7-0, Ursinus 1-0 and Drexel 1-0. In their only mutual opponent, both teams faced and lost to Villanova in their respective season opening games. The Wildcats mauled the Leopards 2-0, while the Quakers got in a few licks before falling 2-1. The win versus Dartmouth also prepped the Quakers for Lafayette's only other advantage, grass turf. The Leopards are the only one of Penn's scheduled opponents other than Dartmouth that continues to play on grass turf. "[After the Dartmouth win] we love grass now," Cloud said. To prepare for the game, Penn has continued to practice on Drexel's grass field all week. With all the cards in the Quakers' favor, only two issues appear problematic. Backup goalie Alison Friedman will be out of tomorrow's contest due to a non-game-related leg injury. Joining her on the injured list is senior defender Audrey Heinel, who is suffering an undisclosed illness. While player losses inevitably affect any team, the Quakers stress the importance of depth on their squad. A prime example of this is the contribution of the new members of the team. The last two contests featured freshmen, with forward Marcia Karas seeing action versus the Wildcats and the Big Green. Additionally, freshman Monique Horshaw was given the okay to play against Dartmouth after recovering from a broken pinkie tip. The versatility of the midfield's sophomore transfer, Aviva Meerschwam, allowed her to start in both games as well. The Red and Blue looks as though it has all the bases covered for today's game, but Cloud insists some issues still remain. "We are working on our corner defense," Cloud said. "We've ironed out some of it, but we still need some improvement." It's game three? can a Quaker bag a Leopard in Easton?